Device for storing a partially smoked cigarette

ABSTRACT

A device for storing a cigarette has a first tubular member having a closed end and an open end, and a second tubular member having a closed end and an open end. The tubular members may be fixed to one another in a detachable manner to provide an airtight hollow cylinder with the closed ends of the tubular members disposed at opposite ends of the cylinder. The device is made of a material that is resistant to damage by a burning cigarette.

FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention relates generally to a device for storing a tobacco product, and more specifically to a device for storing a partially smoked cigarette.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Persons who smoke cigarettes often find it necessary to stop smoking a cigarette prematurely when the cigarette has been only partially smoked. The high cost of cigarettes makes the wasting of part of a cigarette a significant financial loss, especially when this behavior is habitual. Many times the remainders of partially smoked cigarettes are discarded in a manner that amounts to littering. A partially smoked cigarette that has not been fully extinguished and is discarded carelessly can possibly cause an uncontrolled fire. While some smokers may snuff out a partially smoked cigarette and attempt to save it for later use, until now there has been no sanitary and safe way of storing a partially smoked cigarette.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

There is provided in accordance with the present invention a device for storing a cigarette comprising a first tubular member having a closed end and an open end; and a second tubular member having a closed end and an open end. The tubular members may be fixed to one another in a detachable manner to provide an airtight hollow cylinder with the closed ends of the tubular members disposed at opposite ends of the cylinder. The device is made of a material that is resistant to damage by a burning cigarette.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a fuller understanding of the invention, reference should be made to the following detailed description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cigarette storage device in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of the cigarette storage device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a front elevation view of the cigarette storage device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is an exploded longitudinal cross section of the cigarette storage device of FIG. 1 taken at line 4-4 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged cross section of the cigarette storage device of FIG. 1 taken at line 5-5 of FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 shows the device of FIG. 1 with the components of the cigarette storage device separated from one another and a partially smoked cigarette positioned to be inserted in the storage device.

FIG. 7 is a perspective plan view of a cigarette storage device in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8 is a perspective plan view of a cigarette storage device in accordance with a third embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 9 shows a cigarette storage device in accordance with the invention positioned for insertion into a package of cigarettes.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A first embodiment of a device 10 for storing a cigarette is shown in FIGS. 1-5. A first tubular member 12 has a closed end 16 and an open end 20. A second tubular member 14 has a closed end 18 and an open end 22. As used herein and in the claims the term “tubular” is understood to mean: round and hollow like a tube. As used herein and in the claims the term “tube” is understood to mean: a hollow cylindrical body structure.

The tubular members 12, 14 may be fixed to one another in a detachable manner selected in accordance with good engineering practice to provide an airtight hollow cylinder with the closed ends 16, 18 of the tubular member disposed at opposite ends of the cylinder. As used herein and in the claims the term “detachable” is understood to mean: designed to be unfastened or disconnected without damage. As used herein and in the claims the term “airtight” is understood to mean: not allowing air or gas to pass in or out. A burning cigarette placed in the airtight device of the present invention will be rapidly extinguished due to a lack of oxygen for supporting combustion.

The device 10 should comprise a material that is resistant to damage by a burning cigarette. An example of a material that is suitable for use in the manufacture of a device according to the present invention is sold by Xiamen Juda Engineering Plastic Co., Ltd. with the commercial name PA66 GF 30. This material is a composite of Nylon 66 and 30% glass fiber per gram and is suitable for manufacturing a device for storing a cigarette according to the first embodiment using injection molding.

A suitable means for fixing the tubular members 12, 14 together in a detachable manner comprises a portion 36 of the first tubular member 12 adjacent its' open end 20 having an exterior surface 24 with an outside diameter F that is not larger than an inside diameter G of a portion 34 of an interior surface 26 of the second tubular member 14 adjacent the open end 22 of the second tubular member. The external diameter F of the portion 36 of the exterior surface 24 adjacent the open end of the first tubular member is smaller than the external diameter D of the remainder of the length of the first tubular member providing a circumferentially extending external ledge 30. The internal diameter G of the portion 34 of the internal surface 26 of the second tubular member adjacent the open end of the second tubular member is larger than the internal diameter E of the remainder of the length of the second tubular member providing a circumferentially extending internal ledge 32. The length H of the portion 36 of the exterior surface 24 adjacent the open end of the first tubular member is preferably equal to or less than the length I of the portion 34 of the second tubular member adjacent the open end of the second tubular member. With reference to FIG. 5 this construction allows allow the open end 20 of the first tubular member 12 to be inserted into the open end 22 of the second tubular member 14 with the circumferentially extending external ledge 30 of the first tubular member abutting the open end 20 of the second tubular member to limit the distance that the first tubular member extends into the second tubular member.

In the first embodiment of FIGS. 1-5 the exterior surface 24 of the portion 36 of the first tubular member 12 adjacent the open end of the first tubular member has a radially extending protrusion 40 that is complementary to an indentation 42 in the interior surface 26 of the portion 34 of the second tubular member 14 adjacent the open end of the second tubular member for securing the first and second tubular members to one another in a detachable manner. In the figures the sizes of the protrusion and indentation are exaggerated for clarity. As used herein or in the claims the term “protrusion” is understood to mean something that bulges out or projects from a form. As used herein or in the claims the term “indentation” is understood to mean a concave shape in a surface. Preferably the protrusion 30 and the complementary indentation 42 each extend circumferentially about the associated surface of a tubular member. The first and second tubular members may be easily detached from one another by squeezing the first tubular member radially inwardly such that the protrusion exits the complementary indentation and then pulling the tubular members apart in a lateral motion.

FIG. 6 shows a partially smoked cigarette 46 poised for insertion into the first tubular member 12. After insertion of the partially smoked cigarette into the first tubular member, the open end 20 of the first tubular member is inserted into the open end 22 of the second tubular member to provide an airtight hollow cylinder with the closed ends of the tubular members disposed at opposite ends of the cylinder.

An exemplary device 10 for storing a partially burned cigarette in accordance with the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-5 has the following dimensions with reference to FIG. 4: an overall exterior length A of 80 mm when the two tubular members 12, 14 are assembled together; the first tubular member 12 has an overall exterior length B of 50 mm; the second tubular member 14 has an overall exterior length C of 37 mm; the maximum external diameter D of both the first and second tubular members 12, 14 is 12.3 mm; the nominal interior diameter E of both the first and second tubular members 12, 14 is 9.3 mm; the external diameter F and the internal diameter G of the portions 34, 36 of the tubular members adjacent their open ends that are fitted together in a telescoping manner are substantially the same at 9.5 mm to allow a snug fit when the tubular members are fitted together; and the lengths H and I of the portions 34, 36 of the tubular members adjacent their open ends are substantially the same at 7 mm to facilitate abutment of the circumferentially extending external ledge 30 of the first tubular member and the open end 22 of the second tubular member to limit the distance that the first tubular member extends into the second tubular member.

FIG. 7 shows a second embodiment of a device 100 for storing a cigarette according to the invention. Like the first embodiment described above, the second embodiment also comprises a first tubular member 112 having a closed end 116 and an open end 120, and a second tubular member 114 having a closed end 118 and an open end 122, wherein the tubular members may be fixed to one another in a detachable manner to provide an airtight hollow cylinder with the closed ends of the tubular members disposed at opposite ends of the cylinder. However, in this second embodiment the exterior surface of the portion of the first tubular member 112 adjacent the open end 120 of the first tubular member is provided with first threads 150 and the interior surface of the portion of the second tubular member 114 adjacent the open end 122 of the second tubular member is provided with second threads 160 that are complementary with the first threads for securing the first and second tubular members to one another in a detachable and airtight manner.

FIG. 8 shows a third embodiment of a device 200 for storing a cigarette according to the invention. Like the first embodiment described above, the third embodiment also comprises a first tubular member 212 having a closed end 216 and an open end 220, and a second tubular member 214 having a closed end 218 and an open end 222, wherein the tubular members may be fixed to one another in a detachable manner to provide an airtight hollow cylinder with the closed ends of the tubular members disposed at opposite ends of the cylinder. However, in this third embodiment the first tubular member 212 adjacent the open end 220 of the first tubular member is provided with longitudinally extending arcuate securing members 270 for engaging an interior surface of the second tubular member 214 adjacent the open end of the second tubular member to allow the open end of the first tubular member to be inserted into the open end of the second tubular member in an interference fit for securing the first and second tubular members to one another in a detachable and airtight manner. The first and second tubular members may be easily detached from one another by squeezing the first tubular member radially inwardly such that the securing members 270 are moved away from the interior wall of the second tubular member and then pulling the tubular members apart in a lateral motion.

FIG. 9 shows a cigarette storage device 10 in accordance with the invention positioned for insertion into a package of cigarettes 60. It is preferable that a device according to the invention have dimensions, such as those set forth herein that will allow the device to fit into a package of cigarettes for the convenience of a user of the device.

It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended to cover all of the generic and specific features of the invention herein described, and all statements of the scope of the invention which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall there between. 

1. A device for storing a cigarette comprising: (a) a first tubular member having a closed end and an open end; (b) a second tubular member having a closed end and an open end, wherein the tubular members may be fixed to one another in a detachable manner to provide an airtight hollow cylinder with the closed ends of the tubular members disposed at opposite ends of the cylinder, the device comprising a material that is resistant to damage by a burning cigarette.
 2. The device for storing a cigarette according to claim 1 wherein a portion of the first tubular member adjacent the open end of the first tubular member has an exterior surface with an outside diameter that is not larger than an inside diameter of a portion of an interior surface of the second tubular member adjacent the open end of the second tubular member to allow the open end of the first tubular member to be inserted into the open end of the second tubular member.
 3. The device for storing a cigarette according to claim 2 wherein the exterior surface of the portion of the first tubular member adjacent the open end of the first tubular member has a radially extending protrusion that is complementary to an indentation in the interior surface of the portion of the second tubular member adjacent the open end of the second tubular member for securing the first and second tubular members to one another.
 4. The device for storing a cigarette according to claim 1 wherein an exterior surface of a portion of the first tubular member adjacent the open end of the first tubular member is provided with first threads and an interior surface of a portion of the second tubular member adjacent the open end of the second tubular member is provided with second threads that are complementary with the first threads for securing the first and second tubular members to one another in an airtight and detachable manner.
 6. The device for storing a cigarette according to claim 1 wherein the first tubular member adjacent the open end of the first tubular member is provided with longitudinally extending arcuate securing members for engaging an interior surface of the second tubular member adjacent the open end of the second tubular member to allow the arcuate securing members of the first tubular member to be inserted into the open end of the second tubular member for securing the first and second tubular members to one another in an airtight and detachable manner.
 7. A device for storing a cigarette comprising: (a) a first tubular member having a closed end and an open end; (b) a second tubular member having a closed end and an open end, wherein the open end of the first tubular member is insertable a limited distance into the open end of the second tubular member a limited distance whereby the tubular members may be fixed to one another in a detachable manner to provide an airtight hollow cylinder with the closed ends of the tubular members disposed at opposite ends of the cylinder, the device comprising a material that is resistant to damage by a burning cigarette.
 8. The device for storing a cigarette according to claim 7 wherein a portion of the first tubular member adjacent the open end of the first tubular member has an exterior surface with an outside diameter that is not larger than an inside diameter of a portion of an interior surface of the second tubular member adjacent the open end of the second tubular member.
 9. The device for storing a cigarette according to claim 7 wherein an exterior surface of a portion of the first tubular member adjacent the open end of the first tubular member has a radially extending protrusion that is complementary to an indentation in an interior surface of a portion of the second tubular member adjacent the open end of the second tubular member for securing the first and second tubular members to one another.
 10. The device for storing a cigarette according to claim 8 wherein the exterior surface of the portion of the first tubular member adjacent the open end of the first tubular member has a radially extending protrusion that is complementary to an indentation in the interior surface of the portion of the second tubular member adjacent the open end of the second tubular member for securing the first and second tubular members to one another.
 11. The device for storing a cigarette according to claim 7 wherein an exterior surface of a portion of the first tubular member adjacent the open end of the first tubular member is provided with first threads and an interior surface of a portion of the second tubular member adjacent the open end of the second tubular member is provided with second threads that are complementary with the first threads for securing the first and second tubular members to one another.
 12. The device for storing a cigarette according to claim 7 wherein the first tubular member adjacent the open end of the first tubular member is provided with longitudinally extending arcuate securing members for engaging an interior surface of the second tubular member adjacent the open end of the second tubular member to allow the arcuate securing members of the first tubular member to be inserted into the open end of the second tubular member with an interference fit for securing the first and second tubular members to one another.
 13. A device for storing a cigarette comprising: a first tubular member having a closed end and an open end; a second tubular member having a closed end and an open end, wherein the open end of the first tubular member is insertable into the open end of the second tubular member; a portion of the first tubular member adjacent the open end of the first tubular member having an exterior surface with an outside diameter that is not larger than an inside diameter of a portion of an interior surface of the second tubular member adjacent the open end of the second tubular member, the exterior diameter of the portion of the exterior surface of the first tubular member adjacent the open end of the first tubular member is smaller than the external diameter of the remainder of the length of the first tubular member providing a circumferentially extending external ledge; the circumferentially extending external ledge of the first tubular member abutting the open end of the second tubular member to limit the distance that the first tubular member extends into the second tubular member; the exterior surface of the portion of the first tubular member adjacent the open end of the first tubular member having a radially extending protrusion that is complementary to an indentation in the interior surface of the portion of the second tubular member adjacent the open end of the second tubular member; whereby the tubular members are fixed to one another in a detachable manner to provide an airtight hollow cylinder with the closed ends of the tubular members disposed at opposite ends of the cylinder, the device comprising a material that is resistant to damage by a burning cigarette.
 14. The device for storing a cigarette according to claim 7 wherein the protrusion and the complementary indentation each extend circumferentially about the associated surface of a tubular member. 